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Merkel cell carcinoma of the lower lip is a rare clinical entity. It is generally thought to be more aggressive than the more common skin cancers of the lips and oral cavity. The literature reveals that delayed diagnoses and poor survival are common among patients with these malignancies. Recommended treatment is surgical excision with wide margins and treatment of cervical metastases with either surgery or radiotherapy or both. Unlike other malignant neoplasms, the occurrence of Merkel cell carcinoma in a relatively older population makes comorbid conditions a key factor in treatment planning.

Background. Peripheral nerve injury treatment options are limited to primary nerve repair, nerve grafting, and tendon transfers. In this case, a large suitable donor site was easily accessible and delayed grafting was indicative of poor prognosis. Case Description. A 25-year-old soldier presented to a military hospital in Afghanistan following a roadside bomb attack. The patient had a medial shrapnel wound in the bicipital groove with a cool pulseless hand and catastrophic lower extremity injuries. Bilateral above-the-knee amputations (AKAs) and exploration of the medial shrapnel wound were undertaken. A 7 cm traumatic defect in the median nerve was repaired with interpositional sciatic nerve graft harvested from the AKA. Conclusion. Recovery of motor function after nerve grafting is dependent on motor axons reinnervating target muscles, making proximal nerve injuries problematic. We identify a potential nerve harvest site in patients with lower extremity amputations in need of long segment nerve repairs.

From our observations using a pig model, we conclude that skin flaps may be safely laser resurfaced about 1 week postoperatively. On the other hand, simultaneous flap elevation and laser resurfacing results in delayed healing with subsequent scar formation.